Question
BHAG = Big Hairy Audacious Goal. Do you have one? If not, you should.
It seems a little "cliche" to be writing about goal setting as we approach the new year (think RESOLUTIONS), but this is a time of year when many of us do take time to think, reflect and plan for the future. Goal setting has been called the critical factor for success by more than one author, personal coach or business coach. We read about goal setting. We hear about goal setting at conferences and other events. Professional speakers earn millions training willing students on goal setting. But why don't more of us do it? Another question for those of us who do have written goals is why do some execute them far better than others?
Goal setting helps you identify where you should focus you efforts, so I want to use this article as an opportunity to make you stop and think about your goals, your goal setting process and your execution of your plan to accomplish your goals. I also hope to elicit some feedback from our audience on their goal setting, habits, resources, etc. So in order to get you thinking, I'll pose some questions:
1. Do you have business goals? How about personal goals? If so, are they written?
2. Are they SMART (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, Timely) (check out www.topachievement.com for more detail on getting SMART).
3. What are you reading, listening to or following to help you in goal setting and to help you successfully grow yourself and your business?
4. What are your favorite books on the subject of Goal Setting? My two favorites are Think and Grow Rich by Napolean Hill and Success Is Not An Accident by Tommy Newberry (@coachnewberry on Twitter).
5. What are your habits for success? Do they work? Do you need to change them?
6. Do you surround yourself with other successful people?
7. Do you have a BHAG?
Whether you call them resolutions, goals or objectives, I encourage you to take some time and set them. I set a goal several years ago to work from or close to home and to own my own media business. I began working at home 2 years ago and started Intuitive Accountant 6 months ago. Were these goals accomplished because I had set them and written them down? I don't know, but I can tell you I don't believe they would have happened if I had not set them and written them down.
If you don't have goals I challenge you to find a book that is right for you that can help you set them. I highly recommend Success Is Not An Accident (available on Amazon) as a great starter for those who don't know where to begin to set goals. If you do have goals, I challenge you to make sure they are SMART and BIG (BHAG). If you already have SMART Goals and a BHAG, I encourage you to share your tips and resources with your fellow reader through the comment box below.
Happy Goal Setting and have a safe and Happy New Year and a blessed 2014!